El aruncus dioicus It is a perennial plant that can become deciduous when found in very cold regions. It is also known as goatee beard (aruncus means goat in Latin), and one of its great advantages is that the care it needs is minimal.
In fact, we are facing a quite wild variety, which grows completely naturally even if we do not pay much attention to it. But, since we love plants and give them the care they need, we are going to see how to make this herbaceous plant grow even stronger and more beautiful in our garden.
Origin and habitat of the aruncus dioicus
As the title of this article says, this plant is a good choice for shady gardens. Because it is a variety that loves cold and humidity, although it has proven to have an extraordinary ability to adapt to different environments.
This plant is originally from Europe and Asia. In its natural habitat it grows in soils with good drainage capacity and that are rich in organic matter. What's more, it usually thrives in wooded areas where it does not receive direct light.
As it likes humidity, it is also common to see it on the banks of streams and other humid areas.
Characteristics of the goatee
The scientific name of aruncus dioicus indicates that we are dealing with a dioecious plant. That is each plant will have male or female flowers, but not of both genders. Furthermore, the female plant is different from the male plant.
The male plant is larger and more showy, with large white flowers. The female is more compact and its flowers are smaller and usually have a greener yellow color. Also, in this case, after flowering there is fruiting.
If we do not grow male and female specimens together, the seeds are not going to be produced. But that does not mean that we cannot reproduce the plant, since it can also be propagated vegetatively. Of course, if there are seeds, they will not take too long to expand and cause the plant to gradually colonize all the available spaces.
On an aesthetic level, there are a series of elements that do not go unnoticed in this variety:
- Floral spikes. Its most significant feature is that it has tall floral spikes that grow above the foliage. They are dense and feathery structures, in which white or cream-colored flowers appear.
- Foliage. It is formed from compound and divided leaves that add a very striking and distinctive texture. Making it difficult to confuse aruncus dioicus with any other plant. However, as a result of its ability to adapt, There are cases in which the leaves can vary in shape.
- Height. This is a plant that can reach up to two meters in height. YesThe vertical structure helps add volume to gardens. It is especially attractive when grown in a group or as the background of an arrangement of smaller plants.
In addition to its great beauty and the fact that the care it needs is minimal, the aruncus dioicus is very interesting for gardens because it is a nectar source that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
What care does the aruncus dioicus need?
If you have decided to make room for your goatee in your garden, take good note of the care it needs to look spectacular.
location and light
Not a good choice for gardens located in areas with high temperatures nor that they receive many hours of sun each day. This variety prefers places where it receives partial to complete surplus.
Although it can withstand a few hours of sun, the rays have to reach it indirectly. Otherwise, The plant will end up burning.
Planting medium
Although it can tolerate humidity well, it is advisable that This plant is in soils with good drainage capacity.
As with most plant species, too much water accumulates in the roots, they will end up rotting.
Irrigation conditions
This is not a variety that tolerates drought well, so watering has to be quite regular, especially during the summer. As far as possible, We will try to keep your substrate moist evenly, but always avoiding flooding.
Apply a layer of mulch around the stems can help retain moisture while controlling weed growth that compete with the aruncus dioicus for soil nutrients.
Pruning the aruncus dioicus
In late fall you can cut branches that are dead or have any type of damage. You can also take advantage of it to shape the plant. With regular pruning you can stimulate future growth, so do it without fear.
As for the flowers, you can remove them as you see them fading. This way you stimulate the production of new flowers and your plant looks even prettier.
Fertilization
If you want your plant to grow even bigger and produce more flowers, in early spring, just before the growing season begins, you can apply a balanced fertilizer.
Always use this product following the manufacturer's instructions, and Remember that this is a variety that does not require much fertilizer. A single application per year is more than enough.
Division and reproduction
If you have male and female plants, after flowering the female plants will develop seeds. These will spread naturally, although you can also remove them and plant them in another place of your free choice.
Otherwise, you can reproduce the plant by dividing it every few years (two or three). In fact, It is advisable that you divide the plant, even if you do not use the cuttings, to rejuvenate it and control its size. Of course, try to do this task in early spring, before the new shoots appear.
With some basic care you can ensure that your aruncus dioicus is healthy and becomes the most exuberant plant in your garden. We assure you that You won't regret having it at home.